Why Rihanna will not be paid for her Super Bowl Halftime performance

Rihanna returned to the live stage at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show.

EXPLAINED Why Rihanna will not be paid for her Super Bowl Halftime performance

David Ben 11:32 - 13.02.2023

Rihanna won't be compensated following her return to the live stage at the Super Bowl half-time show.

Robyn 'Rihanna' Fenty made her grand return to the stage this year at Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show.

The Barbadian singer, 34, had declined multiple invitations to perform on several occasions before finally taking to the NFL stage this year, where she revealed her second pregnancy with boyfriend ASAP Rocky on Sunday. February 12.

Rihanna joined the star-studded lineup of artistes who have previously performed at the NFL gig including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Justin Timberlake and Coldplay.

Beyonce, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars performing at Super Bowl 50.

However, while many might expect that this kind of event comes with a big pay cheque, the performers actually never receive any money for their show. 

Why was Rihanna not paid for her Super Bowl performance?

Rihanna Super Bowl LVII

The answer to this question is pretty simple.

As has been the custom in previous editions, the performing artistes are expected to put up a show for free due to the fact they are playing to the biggest audience of their career - a feat which will impact their sales in a huge way.

According to the DailyMail, In 2017, American popstar Lady Gaga saw her album and single sales increase by 1,000 per cent after her Super Bowl set.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez gained 2.3million new followers across her social media platforms following her performance with Colombian songstress Shakira in 2020, having seen 267% and 187% streaming gains in the week following their performance, as per Billboard.

In 2022, a host of hip hop legends including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Rnb songstress - Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and 50 Cent performed together. 

Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige perform at the halftime show during the NFL Super Bowl 56

After the show, Dr. Dre reportedly saw his album sales increase by 183 per cent.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl show marked the first time she has performed on live television since 2018, where she joined DJ Khaled on stage to sing Wild Thoughts at the Grammy Awards. 

Rihanna performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show

During Riri’s performance on Sunday, the nine-time Grammy Award winner confirmed she is pregnant with her second child after surprising fans with a baby bump during her highly anticipated comeback at the Super Bowl 57.

Rihanna, who gave birth to her first child just nine months ago, sent social media into a frenzy as she took to the stage and rubbed her tummy in front of a global audience of millions.

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky

Riri is now expecting her second child with the rapper A$AP Rocky, who kept a low profile at the event.

The two have kept their growing family under the spotlight, and so far neither of the music superstars has shared the name of their child. 

A representative for Rihanna confirmed the news of her pregnancy shortly after the performance finished.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show 

Rihanna performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Rihanna started off the show suspended on a platform high above the field as she opened her performance with her 2015 mega hit ‘B**** Better Have My Money’. 

She was dressed in a baggy scarlet jumpsuit that covered up her curves and was strapped loosely on her. 

The popstar paired the suit with a set of chunky red trainers.

The platform she was suspended on then descended towards the field, where she joined a troupe of dancers dressed in white on the main stage. 

Rihanna stuck only to her hit song and didn't reveal any new songs during her performance, which featured 13 songs.

Related content

Tags: